When selecting a fence for your property, it’s important to carefully consider the material it’s made from. Different materials offer unique advantages, so the right choice will depend on your desired look, level of privacy or security, and preferred maintenance requirements. With so many options available, the decision can feel overwhelming. To help simplify the process, here are some key steps to take when deciding on a material for your fence and a few reasons why you should consider aluminium.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing Fencing Materials?
When selecting fencing materials for your property, multiple factors come into play.
Factors such as your budget, design preferences, desired level of privacy and security, and willingness to maintain the fence are central to the decision-making process, as they directly impact the fence’s purpose and performance.
Local climate conditions, the surrounding environment, and the appearance of neighbouring properties will also strongly influence your choice. For instance, harsh weather can affect the long-term durability of certain materials and therefore limit your options. Additionally, visual harmony with your property and/or neighbourhood may be a consideration if aesthetics are important to you.
Ultimately, the best fencing material for your property will depend on how you prioritise each of these factors and balance practicality with personal preference.
What is Aluminium Slat Fencing?
Aluminium slat fencing is a type of fencing made up of parallel aluminium beams or “slats” arranged in a horizontal, vertical, or combination pattern. These fences are commonly made from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminium and are particularly prized for their modern aesthetic and minimal maintenance.
Aluminium slat fences tend to offer a good mix of privacy, airflow, and a unique contemporary style to your property, making them a favourite to install boundaries in style.
Why Choose Aluminium Slat Fencing?
1. Durability & Low Maintenance
Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it perfect for coastal WA environments. Unlike timber, it won’t warp or rot and being much more durable, it means less maintenance is required, with significantly less paint and rust coverup jobs.
2. Customisable Design
With a variety of different slat sizes, spacing, colours, and orientations available, aluminium slat fencing is particularly appreciated for its versatility. Highly customisable, they are a great option when seeking to create a fence that fits within the overall aesthetics of your property and/or neighbourhood.
3. Privacy & Style
Whether you prefer a fully enclosed boundary with no gaps to block out prying eyes or a design that allows for more openness and airflow, aluminium slats can be customised to suit your preferences.
4. Easy to Maintain
Aluminium is a highly durable, low-maintenance material, making it easy to keep clean with just an occasional hose-down to keep it looking fresh. No staining, sealing, or sanding is required, which means more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
Aluminium Slat Fencing vs. Colorbond Fencing
When choosing between aluminium slat fencing and Colorbond fencing, the best option depends on your priorities—whether it’s airflow and aesthetics or strength and full privacy.
Aluminium slat fencing is ideal for homeowners seeking a stylish, modern look with built-in flexibility. The horizontal slats and adjustable spacing allow for a balance between privacy and airflow, making it especially well-suited to Perth’s warm, coastal climate. Its rust-resistant properties and low-maintenance appeal make it perfect for those who want durability without constant upkeep. If your focus is on design flexibility, light passage, and a contemporary aesthetic, aluminium slats offer a versatile solution.
Colorbond fencing, by contrast, is designed for maximum privacy and strength. Made from pre-painted steel, it forms a solid, seamless barrier that’s fire-resistant, termite-proof, and built to endure harsh weather conditions. Its uniform panels are excellent for blocking out wind and noise, making it a great choice for those who prioritise seclusion and security. With a wide range of colours to suit different architectural styles, Colorbond is the go-to for those wanting a long-lasting, no-fuss fencing solution.
In short, aluminium slats offer flexibility, airflow, and modern style, while Colorbond provides strength, privacy, and resilience. The right choice depends on whether you’re after open elegance or complete coverage and peace of mind.
Aluminium Slat Fencing vs Garrison Fencing
When choosing between aluminium slat fencing and garrison fencing, the decision comes down to your priorities—whether it’s style and privacy or strength and security.
Aluminium slat fencing offers a sleek, contemporary look ideal for residential homes and light commercial settings. Its customisable slat spacing provides flexibility, allowing you to control visibility, airflow, and privacy to suit your needs. Built from rust-resistant aluminium, it performs exceptionally well in Perth’s coastal climate and requires minimal maintenance. For those focused on design, durability, and low upkeep, aluminium slats provide a balanced, modern fencing solution.
Garrison fencing, in contrast, is designed with security in mind. Constructed from heavy-duty steel and featuring anti-climb designs, it’s often used in high-security environments such as schools, industrial sites, and public infrastructure. While garrison fencing is highly effective at creating strong, visible boundaries, it offers little in the way of privacy and has a more utilitarian, industrial appearance, making it less suitable for residential use.
In summary, aluminium slat fencing is ideal for private, stylish spaces where flexibility and aesthetics matter, while garrison fencing is the better fit for high-risk or public areas where security and durability are paramount.
Choose your Fence solution with Mackson
Choosing the right fence ultimately depends on your space, security needs, and lifestyle preferences.
While Aluminium slat fencing is ideal if you’re after a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance solution, particularly well-suited to Perth’s climate, Colorbond fencing offers complete privacy and strength, making it perfect for those who prefer a solid, fuss-free barrier. Finally, for high-security areas such as schools or industrial sites, Garrison fencing delivers maximum protection with clear visibility.
At Mackson, we manufacture and install all three options locally, helping you find the best fit whether you’re upgrading your home or securing your business.
